House cleaning is recession-proof, requires minimal equipment, and generates consistent weekly revenue. Here is the complete startup guide.
Startup
$1,500
Basic setup
Per Job
$100–$200
Residential cleaning
Weekly
$1,500+
With 10 regular clients
Margin
60–75%
After supplies
Types of Cleaning Services
- Residential recurring: Weekly/biweekly house cleaning. Most stable revenue.
- Move-in/move-out: Higher per-job price ($200–$400). One-time but frequent turnover.
- Deep cleaning: Seasonal or pre-event. Premium pricing.
- Commercial office: Evening/weekend contracts. Lower margin but higher volume.
Equipment and Supplies
- Vacuum: $150–$300 (commercial grade recommended)
- Mops, buckets, cloths: $100
- Cleaning chemicals: $150 (bulk buys save 50%+)
- Transportation: Use existing vehicle
- Uniforms/branded shirts: $100
- Insurance: $400–$600/year
Pricing
| Service | Price Range | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard house cleaning | $100–$150 | 2–3 hours |
| Deep cleaning | $200–$350 | 4–6 hours |
| Move-in/move-out | $250–$450 | 5–8 hours |
| Commercial (per visit) | $150–$500 | 2–6 hours |
Getting Your First 10 Clients
- Friends and family: Offer 50% off for testimonials and photos
- Nextdoor: Post before/after photos (with permission)
- Facebook Marketplace: List your service with photos
- Realtor partnerships: Clean listings before open houses
- Airbnb hosts: Recurring turnover cleaning is gold
Track Your Income
Cleaning businesses have many small transactions. The right accounting software keeps you organized.
Accounting Software →⚠️ Trust Is Everything
Cleaning businesses enter clients' homes. Background checks, bonding, and insurance are table stakes. Ask for reviews after every job. One bad review about theft or damage can destroy your business.